| Psalm 73:26 – “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” |
As a kid, I watched The Adventures of Superman.
It featured an actor named George Reeves.
He could turn from mild Clark Kent to the Man of Steel by ducking into the then ubiquitous phone booth.
He would defeat the forces of evil with bullets bouncing off his chest.
But, when George Reeves left the set, people still thought he was Superman rather than a plain man. It put so much pressure on him that at a rather early age, he committed suicide.
It’s a familiar story that can be updated.
Michael Phelps is an icon in the history of the Olympic Games.
He is the most decorated Olympian in history.
He has 23 gold medals in swimming. His speed is legendary.
After the 2016 Olympic Games, he retired.
But something happened.
People thought of him as perfect and expected the same kind of golden boy they watched flashing a winning smile in the Olympic pool.
He struggled with depression and seriously considered taking his life.
He turned his attention to telling a simple story. People have problems and that’s OK. He wants others to know that the stress, anxiety, and depression are not strangers. He detailed his journey in an HBO documentary called The Weight of Gold and the pressure he felt.
It’s a perspective we should pay attention to. The Bible takes a different view.
Paul was a “superhero” of a sorts.
He traveled the Roman world spreading the message of a Messiah.
He picked himself off roads after being stoned.
He stood up to riotous crowds and abusive Pharisees.
We point to him as the model of a Christian.
But when Paul tells his story, he lets you see feet of clay.
In 2. Corinthians 12, he describes pain and suffering. It was a debilitating condition that weakened him. He was on his knees begging for relief…but relief never came.
Instead, God gave him a different answer. “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
We all face life’s pressures, yet, God knows our weaknesses and doesn’t expect us to exert great strength. He only says, “let me be the strong one in your life.” Will we all do that?
Robert G. Taylor
robertgtaylor.com
